The young core is caught in the middle and their growth will be stunted for now!
There were many fans and some NBA purists that did not want LeBron James in Los Angeles. There was a fear that his presence would mess with the development of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma. They were right.
Sure, Luke Walton warned the players about the rumors affecting their play early.
"“We talked about that before the season even started,” Walton said. “So here’s the first (rumor). Let’s handle it as a group, not give it life and keep working on what we need to work on, and I thought we came out today and had a great practice. Players were engaged and involved, talking to each other about what needs to be done as well as the coaches, which is the type of environment and the type of culture we want. I think we’re in a good place.”"
That was early in the season when the rumors applied to Walton. Now every trade rumor involving Anthony Davis has them leaving town (like EVERY rumor).
These are 20 and 21-year-old guys trying to find their games in the NBA much less playing with a player that has a notorious reputation for manipulating franchises.
Now we get to watch the drama surrounding the Lakers through the trading deadline. If there is no big splash (I wouldn’t count on it!), look for LeBron James’ body language afterward. He will more than likely come back before the all-star break so he can play.
But after that, let’s see if he doesn’t start resting that “injury” if the Lakers continue to struggle!
The Los Angeles Lakers are now past the halfway point in their long journey through the NBA season. Lake Show Life will be there every step of the way. Continue to check in for Lakers news, previews and reviews.